Pickup Towing Trailer Loses Control on SH 206 Causing Fatal 4-Vehicle Pile-Up

CROSS PLAINS, TX — On Thursday afternoon of December 21, 2023, a catastrophic collision on State Highway 206, just south of Cross Plains in Callahan County claimed the life of one individual and left nine others injured. The crash, which occurred at 3:34 p.m. under challenging weather conditions, involved four vehicles on the rain-soaked roadway.

The series of collisions began when a 2019 Ford F-250 pickup truck, towing what Texas DPS described as a "2023 Haul box semi-trailer" and driven by 41-year-old Edan Ramon Cerda from Ft. Worth, lost control. The truck's trailer began swaying violently due to the rainy conditions and unsafe speed, causing the Ford F-250 to veer into the northbound lane. In the truck with Cerda were passengers Erica Montanez Cerda, 40, and three juveniles, ages 13, 15, and 17, all from Ft. Worth. While Edan Cerda sustained non-critical injuries, his passengers were transported to Hendrick North with similar injuries, all in stable condition.

The Ford F-250 collided head-on with a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 19-year-old Andrew Bryce Spencer from Smyrna. Spencer suffered incapacitating injuries and is currently in critical condition. His passenger, 28-year-old Tristan Andrew Reidhaar from Viola, Delaware, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Andi Holland.

Following the initial collision, a 2018 Honda Accord, driven by 19-year-old Alan Andre Cano from Laredo, with passenger Jahiel Aaron Vargas, also 19 and from Laredo, struck the Ford F-250's trailer. Both Cano and Vargas sustained non-incapacitating injuries and were transported to Hendrick North Hospital in stable condition.

In an attempt to avoid the unfolding disaster, 23-year-old Alexander Joseph Huff from Aledo, driving a 2019 Honda Civic, lost control of his vehicle, leaving the roadway and striking a fence post. Huff was treated and released at the scene.

The preliminary investigation, led by Trooper Jacob C. Morrow of the Texas Highway Patrol stationed in Baird and assisted by several other officers, indicates that the accident was initiated by the Ford F-250's loss of control over the towed trailer. This incident has deeply affected the community, with local authorities urging drivers to exercise caution, especially under adverse weather conditions.

SH 206 is a popular route from residents of the Concho Valley to use for trips to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The two-lane highway has over the years been a death trap for motorists. We recommend you stay alert, avoid distractions, drive at moderate speeds, and never trust the oncoming traffic to stay in their lane to save your life.

As the investigation continues, the community extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Tristan Andrew Reidhaar and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured in this unfortunate event. The Texas DPS said it is committed to thoroughly investigating the circumstances of the collision and will provide updates as more information becomes available.